Kerry Hotel, Beijing

Character and identity

A 486-room business hotel anchored in Beijing's Central Business District, the Kerry plugs directly into the China World shopping mall and Guomao subway via an enclosed skybridge, useful in winter and on heavy-pollution days. The lobby reads polished and theatrical: onyx and white marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and a suspended golden cloud of sculptural butterflies above living-room seating. Centro, the lobby bar, runs one of the city's loudest happy hours from 5 to 8 p.m., with serious cocktails and an extensive by-the-glass list. The headline amenity is Kerry Sports Beijing, a recently rebuilt multi-million dollar fitness complex with studios, wet areas and a juice bar.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The real reason to book here is the combination of location and the rebuilt Kerry Sports facility, paired with one of Beijing's better hotel happy hours. Spring for a Club room to unlock the 18th-floor lounge, which materially upgrades the stay through breakfast, snacks and canapés. Time a visit around a clear-sky day to use the rooftop jogging track.